The Los Angeles Times explained why it re-printed the anti-gay slur that Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for using. (Credit: Flickr, "Keith Allison")

The Los Angeles Times published the word “faggot” in its story about NBA Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant being fined $100,000 for using the word.

Larry Brown asked the Los Angeles Times’ communications vice president, Nancy Sullivan, why the newspaper decided to publish the word.

He reported on his blog, Larry Brown Sports, Sullivan’s response, which noted the Los Angeles Times “rarely” will publish “derogatory terms” but, “when the use of the word IS the story, as was the case with Bryant’s utterance, it is important to print it for clarity and accountability.”

Sullivan noted that “the highest level of the editorial department” has to OK publishing “such offensive words” and that the Los Angeles Times’ editorial decision included both the fact that the word’s use was the story and the “strong reaction to it.”

Media Bistro noted that the Los Angeles Times “is one of the few reputable publications” that republished the word in its reporting on Bryant’s fine.  “Kudos to the LA Times for a reasonable explanation and standing by their decision.”